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The Bone Sharp: The Life of Edward Drinker Cope
by Jane Pierce DavidsonCope's Early Life; The 1860s; Field Research in the 1870s and 1880s; Wading in the Marshiana: The Cope-Marsh War; Cope's Life With His Wife and Daughter; Cope on Human Evolution, Society, and Religion; What Happened at the End; Cope's Contemporaries on Cope.
The Bone Woman
by Clea KoffPublished ten years after the genocide in Rwanda, The Bone Woman is a riveting, deeply personal account by a forensic anthropologist sent on seven missions by the UN War Crimes Tribunal.To prosecute charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, the UN needs proof that the bodies found are those of non-combatants. This means answering two questions: who the victims were, and how they were killed. The only people who can answer both these questions are forensic anthropologists.Before being sent to Rwanda in 1996, Clea Koff was a twenty-three-year-old graduate student studying prehistoric skeletons in the safe confines of Berkeley, California. Over the next four years, her gruelling investigation into events that shocked the world transformed her from a wide-eyed student into a soul-weary veteran -- and a wise and deeply thoughtful woman. Her unflinching account of those years -- what she saw, how it affected her, who went to trial based on evidence she collected -- makes for an unforgettable read, alternately riveting, frightening and miraculously hopeful. Readers join Koff as she comes face to face with the human meaning of genocide: exhuming almost five hundred bodies from a single grave in Kibuye, Rwanda; uncovering the wire-bound wrists of Srebrenica massacre victims in Bosnia; disinterring the body of a young man in southwestern Kosovo as his grandfather looks on in silence. As she recounts the fascinating details of her work, the hellish working conditions, the bureaucracy of the UN, and the heartbreak of survivors, Koff imbues her story with an immense sense of hope, humanity and justice.From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Bone Woman: Among the Dead in Bosnia and Rwanda
by Clea KoffIn 1996, Clea Koff was a 23-year-old student studying prehistoric skeletons. Then she was sent to Rwanda by the UN to work with a team exhuming victims of the genocide. Her job was to find evidence to bring the perpetrators to trial. This is her account of her time in Rwanda and later, Bosnia. THE BONE WOMAN is her unflinching account of what she saw and how it affected her. It is an unforgettable read, alternately riveting, frightening and miraculously hopeful. 'Koff's story will 'stay with you for a long time'. ' - Sydney Morning Herald
The Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior
by C. M. SurrisiHow many female Viking warriors does it take to make a fact? When archaeologist Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson discovers that the bones contained in the most significant Viking warrior grave ever opened are in fact female, she and her team upend centuries of historically accepted conclusions and ignite a furious debate around the reality of female Viking warriors and the role of gender in both ancient and modern times. In The Bones of Birka, author C. M. Surrisi introduces young readers to the events that led up to this discovery and the impact it has had on scientists' and historians' views of gender roles in ancient societies and today. This is the inside account of the Birka warrior grave Bj 581 archaeological endeavor, including all of the dreams, setbacks, frustrations, excitement, politics, and personalities that went into this history-changing discovery.The finding has raised crucial questions about research bias, academic dialogue, and gender identity.
The Bones of the Earth
by Howard MansfieldThe Bones of The Earth is a book about landmarks, but of the oldest kind--sticks and stones. For millennia this is all there was: sticks and stones, dirt and trees, animals and people, the sky by day and night. The Lord spoke through burning bushes, through lightning and oaks. Trees and rocks and water were holy. They are commodities today and that is part of our disquiet. Howard Mansfield explores the loss of cultural memory, asking: What is the past? How do we construct that past? Is it possible to preserve the past as a vital force for the future? He writes eloquently on the land and time, on how to be a tourist of the near-at-hand, and on the forces that try to topple us. From the author of In the Memory House and The Same Ax, Twice comes The Bones of The Earth, a stunning call for reinventing our view of the future.
The Bonfire Of Berlin
by Helga SchneiderAbandoned by her mother, who left to pursue a career as a camp guard at Auschwitz-Birkenau, loathed by her step-mother, cooped up in a cellar, starved, parched, lonely amidst the fetid crush of her neighbours, Helga Schneider endured the horrors of wartime Berlin. The Bonfire of Berlin is a searing account of her survival. The grinding misery of hunger, combined with the terror of air-raids, the absence of fresh water and the constant threat of death and disease served not to unite the tenants and neighbours of her apartment block but rather to intensify the minor irritations of communal life into flashpoints of rage and violence. And with Russian victory the survivors could not look forward a return to peacetime but rather to pillage and rape. It was only gradually that Schneider's life returned to some kind of normality, as her beloved father returned from the front, carrying his own scars of the war. This shocking book evokes the reality of life in a wartime city in all its brutality and deprivation, while retaining a kernel of hope that while life remains not all is lost.
The Book Beautiful: A Memoir of Collecting Rare and Fine Books
by Pradeep SebastianUntil 2015, Pradeep Sebastian was a contented bibliophile, quite far from the serious book collector anxiously checking his email alerts. Things, however, took a dramatic turn when he chanced upon fine press books - printed on a handpress, from metal type pressed into dampened handmade paper, the tactility and typographic beauty of letterpress books instantly captivated him. There was no looking back.In absorbing prose, the author retraces his fulfilling journey of collecting fine books online, his new-found love for modern calligraphic and illuminated manuscripts, and his discovery of the masters of bookmaking - be it the cloistered nuns who printed impeccable fine press books, or the famous printer who lived in a one-room apartment at a YMCA with his small handpress tucked under his bed. Peppered with vivid anecdotes and delightful conversations, The Book Beautiful is as much about the love for fine books as it is about the pleasures of bibliophily - the camaraderie between fellow collectors and dealers, bibliographic connoisseurship, the thrill of the chase, and the joy of striking a juicy bargain.
The Book Collectors: A Band of Syrian Rebels and the Stories That Carried Them Through a War
by Delphine MinouiA BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR"An urgent and compelling account of great bravery and passion." —Susan OrleanAward-winning journalist Delphine Minoui recounts the true story of a band of young rebels, a besieged Syrian town, and an underground library built from the rubble of warReading is an act of resistance.Daraya is a town outside Damascus, the very spot where the Syrian Civil War began. Long a site of peacefulresistance to the Assad regimes, Daraya fell under siege in 2012. For four years, no one entered or left, and aid was blocked. Every single day, bombs fell on this place—a place of homes and families, schools and children, now emptied and broken into bits.And then a group searching for survivors stumbled upon a cache of books in the rubble. In a week, they had six thousand volumes; in a month, fifteen thousand. A sanctuary was born: a library where people could escape the blockade, a paper fortress to protect their humanity.The library offered a marvelous range of books—from Arabic poetry to American self-help, Shakespearean plays to stories of war in other times and places. The visitors shared photos and tales of their lives before the war, planned how to build a democracy, and tended the roots of their community despite shell-shocked soil. In the midst of the siege, the journalist Delphine Minoui tracked down one of the library’s founders, twenty-three-year-old Ahmad. Over text messages, WhatsApp, and Facebook, Minoui came to know the young men who gathered in the library, exchanged ideas, learned English, and imagined how to shape the future, even as bombs kept falling from above. By telling their stories, Minoui makes a far-off, complicated war immediate and reveals these young men to be everyday heroes as inspiring as the books they read. The Book Collectors is a testament to their bravery and a celebration of the power of words.
The Book What I Wrote: Eric, Ernie and Me
by Eddie BrabenThe hilarious memoir of Britain's best-loved, highly successful comedy writer Eddie Braben, whose scripts for Morecambe and Wise catapulted the incomparable duo to stardom. The key figure behind the success of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, scriptwriter Eddie Braben has written his autobiography - with the inimitable, timeless humour, warmth and affection for Eric and Ernie of that wonderful bygone era which made their classic sketches so successful. From Liverpool to London and on to Snowdonia, Braben peppers his story with wonderful anecdotes about the original straight man and his amiable sidekick. The Book What I Wrote is as much a unique biography of the charismatic Eric and Ernie as it is an autobiography of the man on whose gags their success was made.
The Book What I Wrote: Eric, Ernie and Me
by Eddie BrabenThe hilarious memoir of Britain's best-loved, highly successful comedy writer Eddie Braben, whose scripts for Morecambe and Wise catapulted the incomparable duo to stardom. The key figure behind the success of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, scriptwriter Eddie Braben has written his autobiography - with the inimitable, timeless humour, warmth and affection for Eric and Ernie of that wonderful bygone era which made their classic sketches so successful. From Liverpool to London and on to Snowdonia, Braben peppers his story with wonderful anecdotes about the original straight man and his amiable sidekick. The Book What I Wrote is as much a unique biography of the charismatic Eric and Ernie as it is an autobiography of the man on whose gags their success was made.
The Book of (More) Delights: Essays
by Ross GayFrom bestselling author of The Book of Delights and award-winning poet, a book of lyrical mini-essays celebrating the everyday that will inspire readers to rediscover the joys in the world around us. In Ross Gay&’s new collection of small, daily wonders, again written over the course of a year, one of America&’s most original voices continues his ongoing investigation of delight. For Gay, what delights us is what connects us, what gives us meaning, from the joy of hearing a nostalgic song blasting from a passing car to the pleasure of refusing the &“nefarious&” scannable QR code menus, from the tiny dog he fell hard for to his mother baking a dozen kinds of cookies for her grandchildren. As always, Gay revels in the natural world—sweet potatoes being harvested, a hummingbird carousing in the beebalm, a sunflower growing out of a wall around the cemetery, the shared bounty from a neighbor&’s fig tree—and the trillion mysterious ways this glorious earth delights us. The Book of (More) Delights is a volume to savor and share.
The Book of Assassins
by George FetherlingThe compelling, tragic and often bizarre life stories of history's famous and infamous assassins, now collected in one comprehensive, easy-to-use volume.The names are well-known, but how much do you know about the inner lives of John Hinckley Jr., who shot Ronald Reagan in a misguided attempt to impress actress Jodie Foster, or Mark David Chapman, who, after shooting John Lennon, sat down on the sidewalk to continue reading The Catcher in the Rye? And what about the world's not-so-famous assassins? Find out what happened when Carlito Dimahilig attacked Imelda Marcos with a bolo knife (and how one of her many famous pairs of shoes came into play!), or why Max Hödel could be considered one of the least successful assassins in history.With breadth of study and a keen eye for detail, George Fetherling has compiled a fascinating and very readable compendium -- the first of its kind -- of more than 200 biographies of assassins from all periods and countries, for the scholar and general reader alike. Fetherling also provides an overview of the history of assassination, outlines the five psychological types of assassins and gives a run-down of the most useful literature in the field.Ideal for students, historians, history buffs, psychologists and readers interested in biography and true crime, this book is a must have window into the lives of those who have drastically shaped the history of our world.From the Hardcover edition.
The Book of Atlantis Black: The Search For A Sister Gone Missing
by Betsy BonnerThe Book of Atlantis Black: The Search for a Sister Gone Missing will have you questioning facts, rooting for secrets, and asking what it means to know the truth. A young woman is found dead on the floor of a Tijuana hotel room. An ID in a nearby purse reads “Atlantis Black.” The police report states that the body does not seem to match the identification, yet the body is quickly cremated and the case is considered closed. So begins Betsy Bonner’s search for her sister, Atlantis, and the unraveling of the mysterious final months before Atlantis’s disappearance, alleged overdose, and death. With access to her sister’s email and social media accounts, Bonner attempts to decipher and construct a narrative: frantic and unintelligible Facebook posts, alarming images of a woman with a handgun, Craigslist companionship ads, DEA agent testimony, video surveillance, police reports, and various phone calls and moments in the flesh conjured from memory. Through a history only she and Atlantis shared—a childhood fraught with abuse and mental illness, Atlantis’s precocious yet short rise in the music world, and through it all an unshakable bond of sisterhood—Bonner finds questions that lead only to more questions and possible clues that seem to point in no particular direction. In this haunting memoir and piercing true crime account, Bonner must decide how far she will go to understand a sister who, like the mythical island she renamed herself for, might prove impossible to find.
The Book of Awesome Asian Women: Empresses, Warriors, Scientists, and Mavericks
by Karen Wang DiggsCelebrating the Legacy of Strong Asian WomenThe Book of Awesome Asian Women illuminates the stories of powerful Asian women who have shaped history, providing inspiration and recognition to their incredible contributions across the globe.A Crucial Addition to Women's History. In a world where the accomplishments of women are finally being celebrated, The Book of Awesome Asian Women brings much-needed attention to the underrepresented stories of Asian women throughout history. This book continues the legacy of the successful &“Awesome Women&” series by amplifying the voices of those who have often been overlooked or misrepresented. Perfect for anyone seeking gifts for Asian women or gifts for girls, this book ensures these important stories are shared. Empowering Stories for a New Generation. Authored by Karen Wang Diggs, a passionate advocate for social justice and gender equality, this book delves into the lives of Asian women and girls who have left indelible marks on the world. Karen&’s dedication to uncovering and sharing these lesser-known stories makes this book an empowering resource for readers seeking representation and inspiration. The Book of Awesome Asian Women is an essential read for those interested in famous women in history and Asian American books. Inside, you&’ll find: Inspiring stories of famous women in history, from empresses like Wu Ze Tian to groundbreaking scientists and artists like Dr. Soyeon Yi and Amy Tan; perfect for anyone looking for a female artists book or notable female scientists. Empowerment through representation, offering young adult to adult readers the chance to see themselves in the legacies of strong women who defied the odds, including the often-misunderstood "dragon lady" archetype. A rich addition to your collection of women&’s history books. If you liked Women Who Dared, Women in White Coats, or The Book of Awesome Women, you&’ll love The Book of Awesome Asian Women.
The Book of Awesome Black Women: Sheroes, Boundary Breakers, and Females who Changed the World
by Becca Anderson M. J. FievreCelebrate Black Women Who Changed History#1 New Release in Teen & Young Adult Modern HistoryEmbrace Black girl magic and learn about the historical Black women who made their impact on society as we know it. In The Book of Awesome Black Women, celebrate the power of Black women who have shaped, and continue to shape, our future.An uncensored history of the power of Black women. Whether you learned about these women in school or not, these Black women changed society and inspired future generations. Read all about women such as Sojourner Truth, Anita Hill, Wangari Maathai, Aretha Franklin, Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and so many more. Packed with mini biographies of big she-ros, The Book of Awesome Black women features mighty Black women who are usually omitted from the history books. Discover their stories of strength, perseverance and talent. The perfect gift for girls in your life. Driven by female empowerment, this collection of biographies tells the unique stories of strong voices that made a difference. From artists to activists, The Book of Awesome Black Women showcases a plethora of passions and skills to prove that strong is beautiful. These mighty Black women prove that your passions and drive are the most powerful things you have.Inside The Book of Awesome Black Women, you’ll learn to:Recognize the importance of honoring Black intelligence, willpower, and passionCelebrate the strength of these revolutionariesChannel your inner womanhoodDiscover powerful stories of accomplishments achieved by Black womenIf you enjoyed books like Herstory, The Book of Awesome Women, The Great Book of Badass Women, or Black Heroes, you’ll adore The Book of Awesome Black Women.
The Book of Awesome Girls: Why the Future is Female
by Becca AndersonCelebrate the Power of Girls in This Book for Teens"As Beyonce rightly declared, girls DO run the world." ?Vicki León, author of Uppity Women of Medieval Times#1 New Release Teen & Young Adult Women’s Biographies, Social Activists, and SociologyYou’re a teenage girl and this is the time you’re coming into your own. Girl empowerment is more accessible than you think. In The Book of Awesome Girls celebrate the power of girls and the famous girls who have shaped, and continue to shape, our future.An uncensored history of girl power. Before they were seasoned women, little feminists were changing society and inspiring future generations. At seventeen, Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Days after her thirteenth birthday, Anne Frank began writing one of the most poignant glimpses of Nazi occupation. Packed with mini biographies of big she-ros, The Book of Awesome Girls features famous girls alongside the equally awesome teens omitted from the history books. With a bonus chapter on girl empowerment today, readers are invited to learn about modern figures like Greta Thunberg and Mari Copeny.Girls just wanna have nonfiction. Driven by girl empowerment, this collection of biographies tells the unique stories of strong voices —despite age. From artists to athletes, The Book of Awesome Girls showcases a plethora of passions and skill sets to prove that strong is the new pretty. According to these famous girls, you don’t have to be of voting age to make a difference.Inside, you’ll find captivating chapters such as:Little Entrepreneurs: Girls With Vision Beautiful Royals: Girls Who Rule the WorldDancers and Actresses: Turning Creativity into Social ChangeAnd more!If you’re looking for books for teen girls —or enjoyed young adult books like Teen Trailblazers, Herstory, Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, or 100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls — then you’ll love The Book of Awesome Girls.
The Book of Awesome Women Writers: Medieval Mystics, Pioneering Poets, Fierce Feminists and First Ladies of Literature
by Becca Anderson“A testament to the relationship and contributions of women writers, lest we forget their impact and inspiration . . . [an] amazing journey.” —Ntozake Shange, author of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is EnufFrom the first recorded writer to current bestsellers, Becca Anderson takes us through time and highlights women who have left their mark on the literary world. This expansive compilation of women writers is a chance to delve deeper into the lives and works of renowned authors and learn about some lesser-known greats, as well. Some of the many women writers you will love learning about are: Maya Angelou, Jane Austen, Judy Blume, Rachel Carson, Nadine Gordimer, Margaret Mead, Joyce Carol Oates, and many, many more. This feminist book is a beacon of brilliance and a celebration of the journeys and accomplishments of women who have worked to have their voices heard in black and white letters across the world.Open The Book of Awesome Women Writers today, and you will find:Engaging chapters such as “Prolific Pens,” “Mystics, Memoirists, and Madwomen,” and “Banned, Blacklisted, and Arrested”A plethora of necessary new additions to your reading listConfirmation that the female voice is not only awesome, but an essential part of literary culture“So go on, do some guilt-free indulging in the pages of Becca Anderson’s basket of literary bonbons. She has gathered a wealth of delectable stories in which to immerse ourselves, a bit at a time. Let’s hear it for bibliophiles and book ladies—our richest yet most non-fattening vice.” —Vicki León, author of Uppity Women of Ancient Times
The Book of Awesome Women: Boundary Breakers, Freedom Fighters, Sheroes & Female Firsts (Awesome Bks.)
by Becca AndersonGet inspired by the powerful sheroes in this feminist collection of short biographies. &“This book is an antidote to the erasure of women from our history.&” —Vicki León, author of Uppity Women of Ancient Times#1 Bestseller in Teen & Young Adult Social Activist Biographies and Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance Women hold up half the sky and, most days, do even more of the heavy lifting including childbearing and child-rearing. All after a long day at the office. Women have always been strong, true sheroes, oftentimes unacknowledged. As we shake off the last traces of a major patriarchal hangover, women are coming into their own. In the 21st century, all women can fully embrace their fiery fempower and celebrate their no-holds-barred individuality. It is time to acknowledge the successful women of the world. From the foremothers who blazed trails and broke barriers, to today&’s women warriors from sports, science, cyberspace, city hall, the lecture hall, and the silver screen, The Book of Awesome Women paints 200 portraits of powerful and inspiring role models for women and girls poised to become super women of the future. In The Book of Awesome Women you will meet: Dian FosseyMartina NavratilovaSojourner TruthIndira GhandiAretha FranklinMargaret MeadCoretta Scott KingGeorgia O&’KeeffeJackie Joyner-KerseeJoan BaezEleanor RooseveltCoco ChanelAnita HillNobel Peace Prize winners, Malala Yousafzai and Wangari MaathaiAnd many more &“Women have been left out of history for far too long. There is much to be learned from these women who paved the way for all of us through courage, daring and smarts.&” —Ntozake Shange, author of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf
The Book of Chalamet: A Chalamazing (Unofficial) Celebration of Timothee
by Pesala BandaraTimothée? Chala... may I?! This book is a celebration of the actor, style-icon and consummate heartthrob we all love!Timothée Chalamet is a global superstar, award-winning actor and leading heartthrob of his generation. With his androgynous good looks and sweet, humble disposition, he is miles away from the macho superheroes who have been dominating Hollywood - and fans across all genders love him for it. He has played challenging roles, from sensitive portrayals of complex characters to artful humour in comedies, and it turns out he can sing and dance too!With tips on how to dream even bigger that TC's hair and ways to find your own authentic self, The Book of Chalamet explores Tim's incredible journey to most-sought-after star in the world. It delves into the lessons we can take from his life, his career, his fashion and his principles, and includes quizzes, facts and A LOT of photos!
The Book of Chalamet: A Chalamazing (Unofficial) Celebration of Timothee
by Pesala BandaraTimothée? Chala... may I?! This book is a celebration of the actor, style-icon and consummate heartthrob we all love!Timothée Chalamet is a global superstar, award-winning actor and leading heartthrob of his generation. With his androgynous good looks and sweet, humble disposition, he is miles away from the macho superheroes who have been dominating Hollywood - and fans across all genders love him for it. He has played challenging roles, from sensitive portrayals of complex characters to artful humour in comedies, and it turns out he can sing and dance too!With tips on how to dream even bigger that TC's hair and ways to find your own authentic self, The Book of Chalamet explores Tim's incredible journey to most-sought-after star in the world. It delves into the lessons we can take from his life, his career, his fashion and his principles, and includes quizzes, facts and A LOT of photos!
The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man
by David Von DrehleOne of our nation&’s most prominent writers discovers the truth about how to live a long and happy life from the centenarian next door in this &“original and highly readable account of a splendid American life&” (The Wall Street Journal).When a veteran Washington journalist moved to Kansas, he met a new neighbor who was more than a century old. Little did he know that he was beginning a long friendship—and a profound lesson in the meaning of life. Charlie White was no ordinary neighbor. Born before radio, Charlie lived long enough to use a smartphone. When a shocking tragedy interrupted his idyllic boyhood, Charlie mastered survival strategies that reflect thousands of years of human wisdom. Thus armored, Charlie&’s sense of adventure carried him on an epic journey of the Jazz Age, racing aboard ambulances through Depression-era gangster wars, improvising techniques for early open-heart surgery, and cruising the Amazon as a guest of Peru&’s president. David Von Drehle came to understand that Charlie&’s resilience and willingness to grow made this remarkable neighbor a master in the art of thriving through times of dramatic change. As a gift to his children, he set out to tell Charlie&’s secrets. The Book of Charlie is a &“genuinely original, formula-shattering&” (Bob Woodward) gospel of grit—the inspiring story of one man&’s journey through a century of upheaval. The history that unfolds through Charlie&’s story reminds you that the United States has always been a divided nation, a questing nation—a nation of Charlies in the rollercoaster pursuit of a good and meaningful life.
The Book of David
by David SteinbergFrom award-winning comedian, director, writer, and producer David Steinberg comes the totally original, utterly blasphemous, and hysterically funny memoir of a young man who emerged from a traditional Jewish childhood to become an international star -- all because, it seems, he kept God in stitches. David Steinberg was raised in Winnipeg, Canada, by parents who expected little from him. And no wonder. Instead of studying Talmud in order to become a rabbi, he chose to major in Martin and Lewis with a minor in basketball. As David imagines the story of his life (since his success otherwise makes no sense), God one day spotted him on the playground and decided that this young man with no ambition could go far with His help. Sure enough, God soon had David on network TV and Broadway, and selling out nightclubs across the country -- as well as being pursued by hot starlets. The Book of Davidis David Steinberg's hilarious trip down memory lane, assuming that the lane has a biblical address. This wild riff on the Old Testament is guaranteed laughter.
The Book of Dead Philosophers
by Simon CritchleyDiogenes died by holding his breath. Plato allegedly died of a lice infestation. Diderot choked to death on an apricot. Nietzsche made a long, soft-brained and dribbling descent into oblivion after kissing a horse in Turin. From the self-mocking haikus of Zen masters on their deathbeds to the last words (gasps) of modern-day sages, THE BOOK OF DEAD PHILOSOPHERS chronicles the deaths of almost 200 philosophers--tales of weirdness, madness, suicide, murder, pathos and bad luck. In this elegant and amusing book, Simon Critchley argues that the question of what constitutes a 'good death' has been the central preoccupation of philosophy since ancient times. As he brilliantly demonstrates, looking at what the great thinkers have said about death inspires a life-affirming enquiry into the meaning and possibility of human happiness. In learning how to die, we learn how to live.
The Book of Delights: Essays
by Ross Gay“Ross Gay’s eye lands upon wonder at every turn, bolstering my belief in the countless small miracles that surround us.” —Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. Poet Laureate The winner of the NBCC Award for Poetry offers up a spirited collection of short lyric essays, written daily over a tumultuous year, reminding us of the purpose and pleasure of praising, extolling, and celebrating ordinary wonders. Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights is a genre-defying book of essays—some as short as a paragraph; some as long as five pages—that record the small joys that occurred in one year, from birthday to birthday, and that we often overlook in our busy lives. His is a meditation on delight that takes a clear-eyed view of the complexities, even the terrors, in his life, including living in America as a black man; the ecological and psychic violence of our consumer culture; the loss of those he loves. Among Gay’s funny, poetic, philosophical delights: the way Botan Rice Candy wrappers melt in your mouth, the volunteer crossing guard with a pronounced tremor whom he imagines as a kind of boat-woman escorting pedestrians across the River Styx, a friend’s unabashed use of air quotes, pickup basketball games, the silent nod of acknowledgment between black people. And more than any other subject, Gay celebrates the beauty of the natural world—his garden, the flowers in the sidewalk, the birds, the bees, the mushrooms, the trees. This is not a book of how-to or inspiration, though it could be read that way. Fans of Roxane Gay, Maggie Nelson, and Kiese Laymon will revel in Gay’s voice, and his insights. The Book of Delights is about our connection to the world, to each other, and the rewards that come from a life closely observed. Gay’s pieces serve as a powerful and necessary reminder that we can, and should, stake out a space in our lives for delight. <p> <b>New York Times Bestseller</b>
The Book of Difficult Fruit: Arguments for the Tart, Tender, and Unruly (with recipes)
by Kate Lebo"[A] glorious mash-up of memoir, love note, and cookbook. . . Every sentence is as sensuous as the first bite into a cold, juicy plum."—Hillary Kelly, Vulture"[A] dazzling, thorny new essay collection."—Samin Nosrat, The New York TimesInspired by twenty-six fruits, the essayist, poet, and pie lady Kate Lebo expertly blends natural, culinary, medical, and personal history. A is for aronia, berry member of the apple family, clothes-stainer, superfruit with reputed healing power. D is for durian, endowed with a dramatic rind and a shifting odor—peaches, old garlic. M is for medlar, name-checked by Shakespeare for its crude shape, beloved by gardeners for its flowers. Q is for quince, which, when fresh, gives off the scent of “roses and citrus and rich women’s perfume,” but if eaten raw is so astringent it wicks the juice from one’s mouth. In a work of unique invention, these and other difficult fruits serve as the central ingredients of twenty-six lyrical essays (with recipes). What makes a fruit difficult? Its cultivation, its harvest, its preparation, the brevity of its moment for ripeness, its tendency toward rot or poison, the way it might overrun your garden. Here, these fruits will take you on unexpected turns and give sideways insights into relationships, self-care, land stewardship, medical and botanical history, and so much more. What if the primary way you show love is through baking, but your partner suffers from celiac disease? Why leave in the pits for Willa Cather’s plum jam? How can we rely on bodies as fragile as the fruits that nourish them? Kate Lebo’s unquenchable curiosity promises adventure: intimate, sensuous, ranging, bitter, challenging, rotten, ripe. After reading The Book of Difficult Fruit, you will never think of sweetness the same way again.